Saku City and Funa Tsunagi Ishi

Why is there a picture of a rock on my post? I’m glad you asked! Saku City is famous for many things and one of them is this rock. What makes it significant? Well, for one it is called Funa Tsunagi Ishi, which is just fun to say! Though its english translation of “Boat Connect Stone” is not nearly as thrilling. The city is divided by the Chikuma River and is prone to flooding. It’s inconvenient now, but was often devastating in centuries past. Bridges were constructed to connect the two halves of the city, but would soon crumble because of flooding. The continual rebuilding of bridges was becoming a finical burden. Therefore in 1873, it was decided to put 9 boats side by side across the width of the river and a plank reaching from boat to boat. This made a bridge that would raise and lower as the water levels changed. Funa Tsunagi Ishi was the key element. The hole on top of the rock was used to connect each boat using rope. Thus the name, “Boat Connect Stone.” So, once again what does this have to do with praying for this city? It was the rock that held the bridge together. In spite of the floods, it was the foundation of connecting two groups. Sound familiar?

Eph. 2:14-20 For he (Christ) is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Our firm foundation is Jesus Christ! He is the bridge that brought man and God back together in sweet fellowship. Christ, He is foundation that holds when the floods come! The relationship between God and us is pivotal on the Rock of Ages! It is not on the works of Buddhism or the prayers at Shinto Shrines. There is only one way to the Father, and that is in the Son! In Japan, Funa Tsunagi Ishi is no longer used, but is a reminder of what once brought the city together. Let it serve as a reminder to us that God desires that these people be brought to himself!

PRAYER POINTS